Adrienne Rich - Quarto lyrics

Call me Sebastian, arrows sticking all over
The map of my battlefields marathon
Wounded Knee vicksburg jericho
Battle of the Overpass
Victories turned inside out but no surrender

Cemeteries of remorse
The beaten champion sobbing
Ghosts move in to shield his tears

No one writes lyric on a battlefield
On a map stuck with arrows
But, I think I can do it if I just lurk
In my tent pretending to refeather my arrows

I'll be right there! I yell
When they come with their
Crossbows and white phosphorus to recruit me
Crouching over my drafts
Lest they find me out and shoot me

Press your cheek against my medals
Listen through them to my heart
Doctor, can you see me if I'm naked?

Spent longer in this place than in the war
No one comes but rarely and
I don't know what for

Went to that desert as many did before
Farewell and believing and hope not to die

Hope not to die and what was the life
Did we think was awaiting after

Lay down your stethoscope back
Off on your skills
Doctor can you see me when I'm naked?

I'll tell you about the mermaid
Sheds swimmable tail Gets legs for dancing
Sings like the sea with a choked throat
Knives straight up her spine
Lancing every step there is a price
There is a price for every gift
And all advice